July 17, 2009
Bob Jacobs
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
bob.jacobs@nasa.gov
RELEASE: 09-169
NASA MOURNS THE DEATH OF WALTER CRONKITE
WASHINGTON --The following is a statement from NASA Administrator
Charles Bolden on the death of veteran journalist Walter Cronkite.
"It is with great sadness that the NASA family learned of Walter
Cronkite's passing. He led the transition from print and radio
reporting to the juggernaut that became television journalism. His
insight and integrity were unparalleled, and his compassion helped
America make it through some of the most tragic and trying times of
the 20th century.
"From the earliest days of the space program, Walter brought the
excitement, the drama and the achievements of space flight directly
into our homes. But it was the conquest of the moon in the late 1960s
that energized Walter most about exploration. He called it the most
important feat of all time and said that the success of Apollo 11
would be remembered 500 years from now as humanity's greatest
achievement.
"It was Walter Cronkite's impassioned reporting on America's inaugural
moon landing that inspired me to join in the dreams of many to travel
to space and accept the risks that this exploration brings while I
was a student in naval flight training.
"In honor of his ethical and enthusiastic coverage of our nations'
space program, NASA was proud to honor Walter in 2006 with an
Ambassador of Exploration Award and presented him with an Apollo
lunar sample.
"For decades, we had the privilege of learning about our world from
the original 'anchorman.' He was a true gentleman. Our thoughts and
prayers are with Walter's family and his millions of friends and
supporters."
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